SUMMER SPORTS
In the long run, I would like to introduce an area of natural wildfl owers to increase the number of insects and Hymenoptera (bees and wasps) to pollinate
“Once I fi nished studying, I got a job at Stonyhurst College as a senior groundsman and became the head of cricket for the senior school, looking after their three ovals. Whilst at Stonyhurst, I completed my PA1, PA2 and PA6 spraying certifi cates and my BE trailer licence. In February 2020, I was sad to leave to undertake this job at Lytham Sports Club, but the role has given me the chance to step up a level.”
Cricket is Thomas’s number one sport, but he is open to any opportunity that may arise in the sports turf industry in the future. Thomas believes the sports turf industry is on the rise, with groundsmen around the country showing that it is not all about just cutting grass - as many people assume. “Social media has made it easier for groundsmen and greenkeepers to post pictures, share experiences and show what grounds people do. I also think that social media has had a massive eff ect in bringing new blood into the industry.”
“Having said that, I think a lot of people
take groundsmen/greenskeepers and, more importantly, the volunteers massively for granted, as they just expect playing surfaces to be in perfect condition at all times of the year. They do not see the many hours where employees are doing their best with the equipment and budget. At the end of the day, without hard-working greenkeepers and groundsmen, playing surfaces around the country would drastically suff er. However, it is always good when teams/ captains/clubs give praise because it makes the job we love more satisfying.” Being from the younger generation of sports turf professionals, I asked what he would suggest we do to raise the sports turf industries profi le, and does he like to attend industry shows?
“I would like to see more schemes in place to give school children the chance to go into sports clubs and see what work is done and given them a chance to volunteer. This would provide a great pathway into the industry for youngsters. I would also like to
see a lot more on social media showcasing industry days and events.”
“I attend both Saltex and BTME every year - before the pandemic anyway! This was always a great way of networking and meeting new people and getting new ideas to take back to Lytham and put them into practice. I have not been to any demo days or roadshows, but I have been speaking to Campey’s and I am keen to host a demo day featuring their products during renovations.”
What’s in the shed
Dennis FT610 with a 5 and 9 blade cylinder as well as a verti-cutting unit Honda Pro rotary mower
John Deere 2653B ride-on triple mower
Kubota BX2200 with cutting deck and collector box BOMAG 120 road roller
Jacobsen ride-on triple mower with verti-cutting units
SISIS Combirake SISIS Drag Brush
EvenSprey professional 50 litre sprayer
Stiga power brush Eagle power brush STIHL hand-held blower STIHL BR 700 backpack blower STIHL FS 55 strimmer Towed Field Roller Towed spiker/slitter
Groundsman Industries tractor aerator
Sarel roller Bowcom linemarker 66 PC April/May 2021
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